A person is the best thing to happen to a shelter pet. BE that PERSON. ~ The Shelter Pet Project
There are many homeless dogs, and roughly 4 million of them are euthanized each year. Yes, healthy, friendly, beautiful, adoptable dogs of all ages and breeds are put down regularly. Currently, the HSUS estimates that only 20 % of dogs in the US are adopted from a shelter, and the other 80% are from pet stores (puppy mills) and breeders: some reputable, some not.
If more people looked to adopt first (instead of shopping) the number of dogs needing homes would be drastically reduced. If more dogs were neutered, there would also be a decreasing number of homeless dogs. Some are surrendered by owners because they are moving, can’t afford vet expenses or have failed to train their dogs properly. Sadly, owner surrenders are often the first ones to be put down in some shelters.
Shelters are typically run by volunteers. They can use any help you can give whether it is by fostering, volunteering, donating money or supplies: blankets, paper towels, laundry detergent, newspapers, pet food, treats, and toys are usually needed by shelters. And don’t underestimate the power of Facebook, Twitter, and email. SHARE adoptable dogs, don’t just like them.
Today I’d like to introduce you to Smiley, who was sent in by Stacey from Happy Tails Pet Photography. Smiley is pretty much the poster dog for incredible rescue dog stories!
Born without eyes, Smiley spent the first part of his life living in a puppy mill. But at two years of age, he was adopted into a loving forever family. He is adorable and happy.
From Stacey: “Smiley is completely in tune with mom Joanne. From the sound of her footsteps to the tone in her voice, her cues let him know if he is safe or if there is an obstacle in the way. He trusts her completely, and it is an amazing bond they share.”
However, Smiley’s story goes beyond being in a happy home. He is a certified therapy dog and visits patients every week bringing them much happiness.
Additionally, Smiley is a bit of celebrity. Besides being featured in the newspaper, he appeared on stage with Cesar Milan as an inspirational dog.
Stacey said that during their photo shoot, Smiley liked to trick her by curling up as if he was sleeping.
I love this image so much. While Smiley is an amazing dog who has overcome a puppy mill and disability, I imagine the thing he is proudest of is the family that shares his life. You can see more of Smiley on the Happy Tails Photography blog.
About Happy Tails Photography: Modern lifestyle pet photography based in Milton, Ontario providing wag-worthy images of furry friends in their natural environment. Serving locations in southwestern Ontario, including Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton, Guelph, Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo.
I’d love to hear how you help rescue dogs! If you have a blog, I’d like to remind you that any day is a good day to blog about rescue dogs.
Beautiful photos of a very special dog! Stacey is a very talented pet photographer.
I had the pleasure of meeting Smiley at Woofstock this past summer and
he is truly amazing.
WOW WOW WOW- and one more WOW as Smiley, his family, and Happy Tails Pet Photography are all so deserving!I am so in awe of these beautiful portraits of a truly amazing dog. Smiley is aptly named, and what a wonderful story of this great family and therapy dog!
Also a big thank you to you Beth for contributing your lovely voice to the rescue and adopt cause.
he’s pawsome!
Wonderful to read Smiley’s story. He certainly lives up to his name.
Dogs don’t know they’re supposed to be unhappy because of a disability. They just keep on going. 🙂
What a great story. Dogs are so amazing, they never seem to realize they have any disability and just move ahead.
If he spent his first years in a puppy mill I wonder if he was used to father puppies carrying a gene for blindness. Puppy millers have few scruples.
Smiley looks beautiful and so happy. 🙂 What a great story.
Koya was a rescue as well, actually found on facebook from SPCA Outaouais and I trained to Ottawa to adopt her and bring her back to Toronto. She’s brought so much happiness to everyone she meets ever since. 🙂
Adopting is the way to go. 🙂
I love that Koya was found on facebook! What a modern dog 🙂
Dogs are truly amazing. We can learn so much from them. Beautiful story and photos!! My boyfriend and I stumbled upon our “baby” just walking down the street and a rescue company had a little of puppies. I knew the moment I looked in her eyes that we were not leaving without her. She was already ours and she has changed our lives for the better in so many ways. I love our shelter dog!
I think this might just be my favourite blog post from this special day. What an incredible dog Smiley is. He is a testament to the loving and trusting nature of dogs; just wonderful. The images of him are going to stay with me for a long time.
I just love him – perfectly named. 🙂 What a wonderful post about a rescue. Thanks for sharing Smiley’s story with all of us.
Oh, my, what a happy dog and a beautiful soul…Rescue is the only way to go!
I literally just fell in love with Smiley! And I can see why that’s his name. He’s smiling in every photo! LOVE!
This post has me smiling from ear to ear.
This is an incredible post. What a beautiful dog and family! We had a golden when we were growing up, so naturally I am over here crying. 🙂 Just such awesome dogs, with or without eyes. I would love to meet Smiley one day!
So glad you posted this Beautiful story! Awesome photo’s Smiley.
What an amazing dog with an amazing story. Brings tears to my eyes. All dogs deserve loving, forever homes.
I can’t believe I missed AJ’s nod to your blog back in July. I am so glad I am catching up now. I love, love, love this story. My Lab is also a puppy mill dog. She is amazing in her own way, but Smiley is beyond. I swear he is smiling in every picture. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, love reading comments about my little Smiley. He really is a very special dog and seems to bring inspiration to people. He is definitely here for a reason – and I love to share him with everyone. Stacy was able to catch his magical side the day of our shoot. Thankyou!!
Smiley is beautiful! I’m so glad he has such a wonderful family! We rescued a 3 year old lab mix a little over a week ago. His name is Hooch. He is amazing. Sweet..wonderful with my daughters ( ages 12 and 6) we can’t imagine our lives without him. 🙂
Awesome
I just lost a furbaby during the holidays. Soon, my Max will need a buddy. I’ll be going to a shelter hoping to find that special puppy that needs me. Thanks for sharing this beautiful pup!
I’m sorry that you lost a furbaby over the holidays, but I’m glad that you’ll be getting a new puppy via a shelter!
This is such a beautiful story! Rescue dogs are such little treasures.
I adore everything about this post – the title, the story, the beautiful photos……
I appreciate your kind words Nichole!
What a beautiful story!
It’s amazing what dogs/animals can do when the right person finds them and gives them the love and kindness they deserve.
This is such a sweet story. I love that Smiley has learned to trust his mother so completely – what a special bond. 🙂
I am so glad I stopped in to read this post – how happy it makes me feel. Smiley is so well named – he always looks happy! I grew up thinking pet stores were the way to go to get a dog but my last was in 1997 and I just got ljucky with that one not having any issues – at the time I never knew that they came from puppy mills. Since then I have become more educated and have read more about puppy mills. My next two dogs came from a responsible breeder but I have also realized that for my needs and for the needs of all the shelter and rescued dogs out there – one of them will be just the ticket – I can’t wait! Great post!
Thanks Kim! I didn’t realize the horrors of puppy mills until I started blogging. After adopting my Puggle as an adult, I don’t think I’ll ever get a puppy again (and definitely not from a puppy mill/pet store.)
What a wonderful story! Smiley is beautiful and the photos are so gorgeous. What a wonderful message! I LOVE this!